India's Maha Kumbh festival

January 29, 2013 12:29 PM

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh/ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year, where devotees wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges believing that it washes away their sins and ends the process of reincarnation. less

Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th ... more

Photo: Deepak Sharma, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large... Photo-4103221.55881 - Times Union

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Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh... Photo-4103262.55881 - Times Union

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A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, poses for a photograph during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, poses for a photograph during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims ... more

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, peers from behind a tent during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) less

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, puts on a turban during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) less

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, puts on a turban during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are ... more

Hindu holy men belonging to "ekadandi", or single staff holding sect of Hindu holy men, waits for charitable food and money during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. The "ekadandis" are an ancient sect of traveling renunciates belonging to the Vaishnavite sect. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) less

Hindu holy men belonging to "ekadandi", or single staff holding sect of Hindu holy men, waits for charitable food and money during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Millions ... more

Photo: Saurabh Das, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hindu holy men belonging to "ekadandi", or single staff... Photo-4103255.55881 - Times Union

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A Hindu devotee takes a holy bath at "Sangam," the meeting point of Indian holy rivers of Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on occasion of "Paush Purnima," considered to be very auspicious according to Hindu calendars, during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take a ritual dip at Sangam on Sunday. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are likely to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

A Hindu devotee takes a holy bath at "Sangam," the meeting point of Indian holy rivers of Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on occasion of "Paush Purnima," considered to be very auspicious according to ... more

An Indian child dressed as Hindu goddess Parvaty to seek alms reacts to camera at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

An Indian child dressed as Hindu goddess Parvaty to seek alms reacts to camera at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian child dressed as Hindu goddess Parvaty to seek alms... Photo-4103233.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian child dressed as Hindu god Shiva to seek alms reacts to camera at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

An Indian child dressed as Hindu god Shiva to seek alms reacts to camera at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. ... more

In this Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 photo, an Indian artist applies make-up as he prepares to perform a Nautanki, a traditional form of entertainment, at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. (AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

In this Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 photo, an Indian artist applies make-up as he prepares to perform a Nautanki, a traditional form of entertainment, at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 photo, an Indian artist applies... Photo-4103220.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu,performs naked following an evening prayer ceremony at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu,performs naked following an evening prayer ceremony at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu,performs naked following an... Photo-4103234.55881 - Times Union

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Indian Hindu priests and a devotees take part in an evening prayer ritual known as Arti, at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

Indian Hindu priests and a devotees take part in an evening prayer ritual known as Arti, at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian Hindu priests and a devotees take part in an evening prayer... Photo-4103269.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu, walks naked into the water during an evening prayer ceremony known as Arti at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu, walks naked into the water during an evening prayer ceremony known as Arti at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhu, walks naked into the water... Photo-4103251.55881 - Times Union

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A naked Hindu holy man or a Naga Sadhu stretches while sitting in his camp at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River on Monday in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days.(AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

A naked Hindu holy man or a Naga Sadhu stretches while sitting in his camp at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, ... more

A naked Hindu holy man or a Naga Sadhu and his dog watches as devotees walk past his tent at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River on Monday in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days.(AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

A naked Hindu holy man or a Naga Sadhu and his dog watches as devotees walk past his tent at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A naked Hindu holy man or a Naga Sadhu and his dog watches as... Photo-4103228.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man performs morning prayers for devotees at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu holy man performs morning prayers for devotees at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, ... more

Naked Hindu holy men or a Naga Sadhus shout slogans after taking a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year, where devotees wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges believing that it washes away their sins and ends the process of reincarnation. (AP Photo /Deepak Sharma) less

Naked Hindu holy men or a Naga Sadhus shout slogans after taking a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first ... more

Indian holy men move in a procession towards Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati as others cross a make shift bridge, ofor a holy dip n one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year, where devotees wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges believing that it washes away their sins and ends the process of reincarnation. (AP Photo /Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

Indian holy men move in a procession towards Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati as others cross a make shift bridge, ofor a holy dip n one of the most auspicious day ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian holy men move in a procession towards Sangam, the... Photo-4103278.55881 - Times Union

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Indian Hindu devotees pray at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

Indian Hindu devotees pray at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian Hindu devotees pray at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers... Photo-4103243.55881 - Times Union

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Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, are silhouetted as they celebrate in the water at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, are silhouetted as they celebrate in the water at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, are silhouetted as they celebrate... Photo-4103276.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu volunteer carries a life preserver as he watches the fence line in the bathing area at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu volunteer carries a life preserver as he watches the fence line in the bathing area at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu volunteer carries a life preserver as he watches... Photo-4103226.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the... Photo-4103260.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhus, swings his hair as he bathes at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhus, swings his hair as he bathes at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Naga Sadhus, swings his hair as he... Photo-4103238.55881 - Times Union

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EDS NOTE; NUDITY - Indian Hindu holy men, or Naga Sadhus, celebrate in the water at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

EDS NOTE; NUDITY - Indian Hindu holy men, or Naga Sadhus, celebrate in the water at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the ... more

Naked Hindu holy men or a Naga Sadhus leave from their camp for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year, where devotees wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges believing that it washes away their sins and ends the process of reincarnation. (AP Photo /Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

Naked Hindu holy men or a Naga Sadhus leave from their camp for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Naked Hindu holy men or a Naga Sadhus leave from their camp for a... Photo-4103281.55881 - Times Union

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Indian Hindu pilgrims, some with shaved heads, take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

Indian Hindu pilgrims, some with shaved heads, take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian Hindu pilgrims, some with shaved heads, take a dip at... Photo-4103227.55881 - Times Union

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A Hindu holy man looks out from a window of his car as he arrives at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, india, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

A Hindu holy man looks out from a window of his car as he arrives at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, india, Sunday, Jan. 13, ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Hindu holy man looks out from a window of his car as he arrives... Photo-4103272.55881 - Times Union

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Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, take part in a procession before taking a bath at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, take part in a procession before taking a bath at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indian Hindu holy men, or Sadhus, take part in a procession before... Photo-4103230.55881 - Times Union

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A Hindu holy man drinks the river Ganges' water at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

A Hindu holy man drinks the river Ganges' water at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Hindu holy man drinks the river Ganges' water at Sangam, the... Photo-4103270.55881 - Times Union

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Hindu devotees arrive at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam, which falls every 12 years. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) less

Hindu devotees arrive at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hindu devotees arrive at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges,... Photo-4103245.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man, or Sadhu, walks before taking a bath at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer) less

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Sadhu, walks before taking a bath at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Hindu holy man, or Sadhu, walks before taking a bath at... Photo-4103235.55881 - Times Union

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A Hindu devotees takes shelter in a make shift hanger after arriving at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam, which falls every 12 years. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) less

A Hindu devotees takes shelter in a make shift hanger after arriving at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Hindu devotees takes shelter in a make shift hanger after... Photo-4103274.55881 - Times Union

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Hindu devotees take shelter in a make shift hanger after arriving at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam, which falls every 12 years. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) less

Hindu devotees take shelter in a make shift hanger after arriving at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday Jan. ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hindu devotees take shelter in a make shift hanger after arriving... Photo-4103223.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian Hindu holy man puts vermilion paste after taking a dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, india, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

An Indian Hindu holy man puts vermilion paste after taking a dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, india, Sunday, Jan. 13, ... more

Members of an brass band wait for a religious procession to start towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

Members of an brass band wait for a religious procession to start towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Members of an brass band wait for a religious procession to start... Photo-4103254.55881 - Times Union

Image 36 of 42

An Indian holy man rides a horse during a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) less

An Indian holy man rides a horse during a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian holy man rides a horse during a religious procession... Photo-4103282.55881 - Times Union

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An Indian brass band members checks his instrument before the start of a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, as part of the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, india, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) less

An Indian brass band members checks his instrument before the start of a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, as part of the Maha Kumbh ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian brass band members checks his instrument before the... Photo-4103266.55881 - Times Union

Image 38 of 42

An Indian Sikh walks past a group of Indian holy men waiting to participate in a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

An Indian Sikh walks past a group of Indian holy men waiting to participate in a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Sikh walks past a group of Indian holy men waiting to... Photo-4103236.55881 - Times Union

Image 39 of 42

An Indian Sikh in his traditional dress waits for a religious procession to start towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) less

An Indian Sikh in his traditional dress waits for a religious procession to start towards the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian Sikh in his traditional dress waits for a religious... Photo-4103224.55881 - Times Union

Image 40 of 42

An Indian holy man smokes as others get ready for a dip amidst morning fog, at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

An Indian holy man smokes as others get ready for a dip amidst morning fog, at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Indian holy man smokes as others get ready for a dip amidst... Photo-4103225.55881 - Times Union

Image 41 of 42

A cyclist rides past an over bridge as a camp and festival ground is enveloped in a morning fog at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. (AP Photo /Manish Swarup) less

A cyclist rides past an over bridge as a camp and festival ground is enveloped in a morning fog at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival in ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A cyclist rides past an over bridge as a camp and festival ground... Photo-4103240.55881 - Times Union